is my canon and nikon speedlite compatible with DSLRs?

Question

i have a canon speedlite 430ez and nikon sb-25 flash both of them i use in conventional film slr can i shift to DSLR and still use them, i hope to fully integrate it with digital can it fully function with lets say canon 320d or 400d or nikon d70 or 80?

Answer 1

Okay, I can handle the Nikon part of the question, using my handy D70 guide.

"The following Speedlights can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes. If they are set to TTL, the camera shutter-release button will lock and no photographs can be taken.
Speedlights SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24"

Then it mentions the modes you can use:
A Non-TTL auto
M Manual
Repeating flash
REAR Rear-curtain sync

So, yes to the Nikon D70 and SB25.

Answer 2

Generally speaking - Canon VS Nikon Both brands are fantastic - brand loyalty attests to that. Every Canon owner will tell you to buy Canon, every Nikon owner will tell you to buy Nikon. That alone tells you that they are both doing it right, being able to keep their customers happy. Both companies are very similar, but each have a few little details that are slightly better than the other. Really, it comes down to personal preference. Narrow it down to a couple of models, then go to a store where you can hold them both. Think about friends and family - if you can borrow someone's lenses and/or learn from their experience, it may be worth going with their brand. You won't go wrong with either one (says the Canon girl who loves her Canons ;-) Whichever one you decide to buy, you will "grow into" that camera, so the camera is the least of your (purchasing) worries. Always keep in mind that buying good lenses is more important than your choice of body and be aware that you will have MANY other expenses as well, such as flash, tripod, spare battery, bag, etc etc etc. Make sure to do a LOT of learning and research before you spend money on a DSLR - if you don't know exactly what you're doing, you'll most likely regret many of your purchasing decisions a few months later. Then once you have it, do loads more learning so you make the most out of your lovely new gear - no point having a great camera sitting on "Auto".

Answer 3

From the D70s manual:
The SB-25 can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes. The D70s supports non-TTL auto, manual, repeating flash and rear curtain sync modes.

For what it's worth, the D50 and D200 manuals read identically, so I am guessing that the same information holds true for the D80.

I do not know anything about Canon compatibility.

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Answer 4

Your old flashes will continue to work for basic applications. Moden flashes seem to be designed by NASA however. They perform pretty sophisticated readings and calculations to provide better results.